BYRNES MILL, Mo. - A Byrnes Mill family narrowly escaped tragedy last Friday when a fire destroyed their rented trailer on Heatherwood Drive, nearly claiming the life of their 15-year-old son.

The blaze left Kristie and Jake Genereux and their children displaced, with their teenage son fighting for his life after sustaining severe burns.

The fire came just five days after Kristie gave birth to a baby boy. “It’s just rough,” said Tori Alexander, the Genereux’s sister-in-law. 

She said smoke detectors alerted the family about the fire, but their teen son remained inside.

“Mom handed the baby to dad and ran back in to try to save her son and ultimately just couldn’t kick in the door to save him,” said Alexander.

She credits a quick response from the High Ridge Fire District for saving the teen’s life.

“When they got in the house, they found him hidden in the closet and they pulled him through the window and had to lay him down and immediately start CPR on him,” Alexander explained.

The teenage son, who suffered third-degree burns across his upper body and required skin grafts on his legs, is showing signs of recovery. “He was taken off the ventilator,” Alexander said.

The family is staying at the Ronald McDonald House while they search for permanent housing and tend to their critically injured son who remains hospitalized.

“We are trying to find permanent housing and a safe place for the kids to call home,” Alexander said.

To help cover immediate expenses and secure new housing, Alexander launched a GoFundMe campaign to help.

“They kind of stay to themselves, and it’s really hard for mom to have to come to that realization that she needs help,” said Alexander.

Alexander expressed gratitude for the community support she has seen and hopes that support will continue to grow.

Fire officials have ruled out foul play but confirmed the fire was set inside the trailer.  The family remains focused on their son’s recovery.